Research Projects

Groundwater in India is often contaminated with phenolic compounds, which can cause kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases. Detecting and monitoring these hazards using sophisticated spectrophotometric instruments is expensive and not suitable for working sites. Handheld, cost-effective, and sensitive devices for phenolic compound detection are in high demand. Electrochemical sensors are promising for this purpose, but enzyme immobilized working electrodes are not suitable due to poor stability and expensive substrates. The proposed work aims to develop non-enzymatic, cost-effective working electrodes and strip sensors for detecting phenolic contaminants in water. Transition metal oxides and their graphene/polyaniline modified counterparts are promising for non-enzymatic electrodes, as they help in electrocatalytic transformation of redox active analytes and improve sensor function. However, metal oxides-based electrocatalyses have not been explored well for sensing purposes. The proposed work synthesizes transition metal oxides and their graphene/polyaniline modified counterparts to prepare particulate and thin film-based working electrodes for detecting water-soluble phenolic contaminants. Electrochemical studies will be conducted to understand the interaction of target contaminants with the electrodes, varying analyte concentrations and pH. The features of cyclic voltammetric/amperometric response will be correlated with the composition and chemical/physical states of receptors. In conclusion, cost-effective, non-enzymatic strips with device interfaces will be developed for detecting phenolic contaminants in groundwater.

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